Township Woman Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter; Raritan Township Police Department Credited for Investigatory Work

RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — In a statement released by Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson, a local woman was convicted of aggravated manslaughter, Jun. 16.

Township resident Domonique Preston, 45, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C., to one count of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, N.J.S.A. § 2C:11-4a(1).

Under the terms of the plea agreement, the State will recommend that Preston be sentenced to a 23-year state prison term, subject to the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. § 2C:43-7.2. Preston will also be supervised on parole for 5 years after her release from prison.

The guilty plea followed a joint investigation by the Raritan Township Police Department (“RTPD”) and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office: Criminal Investigations Unit. On or around 1:40 a.m. Wed., Feb. 21, 2024, RTPD officers responded to a 9-1-1 call that reported a stabbing at a residence in the 100 block of Manchester Road.

Officers subsequently located a deceased 66-year-old male, later identified as Steven Spivey, who exhibited a stab wound to his left shoulder area. Officers further encountered Preston, who resided in the home, and admitted to the stabbing, after which she was arrested.

Preston is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 15, 2025. She is represented by Jada Mayson, Esq. First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Paravecchia represents the State.

Media inquiries should be directed to: Sam Iraca of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office at (908) 285-6018, (908) 788-1299, or siraca@co.hunterdon.nj.us.

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